BRUNSWICK, ME. June 14, 2018 –Friday, June 15, marks the opening of Volunteers of America’s 25th year of Camp POSTCARD, a free week-long sleepover summer camp for Maine 5th and 6th graders — helping them make new friends, learn life skills, and build relationships with law enforcement.

Camp is held every year, in June, on the grounds of Agassiz Village in Poland, Maine, and is staffed by law enforcement, criminal justice professionals, and first responders who volunteer their time at Camp POSTCARD. They are joined by other community volunteers, as well as personnel from Volunteers of America Northern New England.

Every day there are new educational and hands-on activities. Mid-week, Wednesday June 20th is “Demo Day” and includes demonstrations of healthy snack making, law enforcement equipment, trained police dogs, wilderness survival skills, fire prevention, a “touch tank” of live marine creatures, an ice cream truck, face painting and more.

Camp POSTCARD is a different kind of camp.

The experience provides a safe environment that stresses appropriate role models, ideals and values. It also allows campers to experience law enforcement in a positive way. Officers too, get to know the kids in their communities better and come away reminded of why they entered their professions: to help improve peoples’ lives.

Who attends Camp POSTCARD?

Law enforcement officers, school resource officers, school personnel and community members identify & recommend children who would benefit from this unique camp experience.

Thanks to community support, there is no charge for any child to attend. Camp POSTCARD is free to all campers. For many kids, it represents his/her first camp experience. It is truly a dream come true, introducing them to many firsts – rock wall climbing, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and team building.

All of this is possible due to the support of donors, corporate sponsors, foundation grants, volunteers from law enforcement agencies throughout Maine and numerous in-kind donations of food and supplies from our supporters.

About Volunteers of America Northern New England

Based in Brunswick, Maine, Volunteers of America Northern New England is a regional branch of Volunteers of America, a faith-based organization that has been serving our country’s most vulnerable citizens since 1896. Volunteers of America Northern New England serves the people of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont with the promise to reach out and uplift the human condition and provide opportunities for individual and community involvement. We offer support in the areas of housing, behavioral health, veterans, mediation services, community justice, senior services, youth and families, ministry, Camp POSTCARD, and Cabin in the Woods.

PORTLAND SCIENCE CENTER PRESENTS:

Planet Shark: Predator or Prey

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT

FEBRUARY 2, 2018 | PORTLAND, ME– From the venue that brought you Body Worlds and Titanic, comes a thrilling exhibition, participants can really sink their teeth into.

The Portland Science Centeris pleased to present, Planet Shark: Predator or Prey, opening on Saturday, February 3rd for a limited time only.

This exhibition allows both young and old to trace millions of years of evolution, come face-to-face with the Great White shark, learn the true impact of the shark fin trade and gain a whole new level of respect for the ocean’s oldest and most effective predator – all without even getting their feet wet.

Planet Shark: Predator or Prey takes visitors into the mythical depths of the lives of sharks to discover their secrets… a detailed portrait highlighting astonishing facts about this great fish. Visitors will discover the significant role sharks play in our ecosystem, and understand why it is important to protect them.

“Sharks are one of those unique species that provoke both fear and fascination in people. Unfortunately, misinformation and misconceptions have left many sharks unjustly vilified,” said Dr. James Sulikowski, professor of Marine Science at the University of New England. “This exhibit does an amazing job of presenting interesting facts, dispelling common myths, and encouraging conservation for not only the species we have in Maine, but globally as well.”

The creative team behind Planet Shark: Predator or Prey is Grande Exhibitions, an Australian-based producer of museum-quality exhibitions. This fascinating and engaging exhibition was produced with assistance from experts in the fields of sharks, aquariums, and ocean cinematography.

Planet Shark: Predator or Prey will feature:

Full-scale shark models cast from real animals

A collection of extremely rare fossils up to 370 million years old, plus real shark jaws and teeth

“This ground-breaking exhibition is very timely,” says Joe Gold, of the Portland Science Center. “Years of fishing pressure and cultural misrepresentation have pushed the shark to the brink of extinction. Its last hope lies in public education and awareness – and I think visiting the exhibition will help ignite a passion to protect these amazing creatures.”

On-site media expert:

Dr. James Sulikowski is a professor of Marine Science at the University of New England. Known throughout Maine as “Dr. Shark,” he has more than 25 years of experience working with sharks and other cartilaginous and bony fish. His vast scientific knowledge and plainspoken approach provide a voice of reason in the conversation about these much-feared apex predators. James has appeared on numerous local and national television shows, including NBC’s “Today Show,” Discovery’s “Shark Week,” “Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin” and the BBC series “Rise of Animals.”

December 1, 2017 – January 15, 2018

bring one non-perishable food item and receive $5 off per ticket, per item

(one item per ticket limit)

Food to be donated to Preble Street Food Pantry

NOVEMBER 29, 2017 | PORTLAND, ME – The Portland Science Center, a popular destination for families, is inviting its patrons to help local families with food donations to the Preble Street Food Pantry. FromDecember 1, 2017 through January 15, 2018, people coming to seeReal Pirates: An Exhibition from National Geographic will receive a $5 discount off the price of their ticket if they bring an item of non-perishable food, which will be donated to Preble Street.

“We’ve been a part of the Portland community for more than two years,” said Joe Gold, President of the Portland Science Center. “We’re grateful for the support we’ve received and want to encourage those who support us to remember others who need our help. We’d like to be able to send a whole lot of food to Preble Street.”

“From its humble beginnings in the basement of an old church in downtown Portland, Preble Street’s food programs have grown to include a full-time teen shelter and kitchen, a women’s shelter and kitchen, as well as the main kitchen and food pantry to assist those of our neighbors who need a hand up in times of misfortune or crisis. We’ll be serving over 600,000 meals this year,” said Preble Street Executive Director Mark Swann. “While the nation as a whole continues to make progress against food insecurity, Maine remains third worst in the nation for hunger. Your support is a lifeline for our neighbors in need.”

Real Pirates tells the true story of the Whydah, a pirate ship that sank off the coast of Cape Cod 300 years ago. The 7,000-square-foot interactive exhibition showcases more than 150 artifacts, including everyday objects, personal items, and treasures, from the first fully authenticated pirate ship ever to be discovered in U.S. waters. Experiencing Real Pirates is the perfect family outing and a great way to spend the holiday season.

The exhibit will only be in Portland through January 15th, it is an exhibit not to be missed.

Most recently the Portland Science Center partnered with the Freeport Historical Society on the addition of an authentic early 19th-century cutlass (sword) from one of the most famous ships of the War of 1812. Like the Whydah, which sank en route to Maine, this cutlass also has a Maine connection—it was recovered from the privateer Dash, which was built at Porters Landing in Freeport in 1813, and sailed from Portland.